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The African Wildlife Foundation has supported species conservation since its founding in 1961. AWF has initiated or contributed to scores of model conservation programs, large and small, that have yielded new knowledge about wildlife and effective ways to secure its survival. The species portfolio is an integral part of the African Heartlands Program. AWF Chief Scientist Dr. Philip Muruthi reports the following 2001 highlights of AWF-supported species projects.

The Charlotte Conservation Fellowship Program honors the memory of Charlotte Kidder Ramsay by helping young Africans pursue advanced studies in conservation-related fields. Candidates must be aged 21 to 40, have a letter of acceptance from an appropriate university and plan a study program directly linked to conservation. In addition, their work experience must demonstrate a commitment to conservation, and they must intend to continue working in African conservation.

The Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda survived a horrific war that killed an estimated 750,000 people. In the midst of chaos and catastrophe that affected every family in this small and impoverished African nation, one of the world's most endangered primates was considered important enough to protect.

Who hasn't dreamed of going on a wildlife-viewing safari to sub-Saharan Africa? Inspired by the wish to observe exotic animals in their natural environment, the promise of grand adventure, and the opportunity to experience traditional African culture, each of us has a unique vision for our African trip of a lifetime.

The unthinkable happened in Rwanda late in the afternoon of May 9th. Two highly endangered female mountain gorillas were slaughtered in the Parc National des Volcans.

With a mere 660 mountain gorillas in the world, their conservation status has afforded them considerable protection. Nonetheless, poachers killed two mothers, Impanga (11 years old) and Muraha (25 years old), ostensibly for their babies. One of the babies is missing, and the other was found huddled next to her dead mother.